Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton issued the following statement on the Republican House leadership’s decision to continue the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) in the 112th Congress:

Congratulations to the new Tea Party Congress.

Recently, Judicial Watch joined other public interest groups seeking to protect the House Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE). Our voices were heard. The incoming Republican majority will keep the OCE, the most significant reform to the House ethics process in a generation.

I know the Republican leadership has never liked the idea of the OCE but this was the right thing to do, and the new leadership praise and support. And we appreciate that outgoing Speaker Pelosi listened to us and set up a key reform that will stay into the new Republican-controlled House.

It is the hope of Judicial Watch that the new Republican leadership succeeds in breaking the cycle of cynicism among the American electorate by diligently policing corruption in the House.

Though off to a good start, the work of Republicans has only begun. Draining the swamp of corruption that engulfs Washington will be difficult, uncomfortable work. But those House members — of both parties — who take on the challenge of reform, ethics, and accountability will have the gratitude of the American people.